Uncovered - 2010 Ferrari F450

Our spy shots and exclusive photo-illustration give you a great look at this upcoming hot new Ferrari.

Although these aren't the sharpest photos we've ever seen, there is no doubt what our sneaky spy photographers have caught here are the best pictures yet of Ferrari's upcoming F430 replacement, believed to be called the F450.

Notably absent from the test prototype are the characteristic air intakes on the rear fenders. Because of that, the lower intakes ahead of the rear wheels will grow larger, as will the air inlets below the front bumper (although the last can't be seen, on this car with its missing front and rear fascias). Unlike the F430, which was a direct evolution of the 360 Modena, the 2010 Ferrari F450 will be a completely new car. It will distinguish itself from the F430 with a decidedly more angular, aggressive and wider stance. As can be seen in the spy photos, the headlights will flow further up the front fenders.

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Ferrari made it clear with its Mille Chili concept in 2007 that shedding pounds will be key to achieving high performance in the future, not adding power. As such, the F450 will be significantly lighter than the F430, aiding acceleration, handling and, yes, fuel economy. Therefore, we don't expect the new 4.5-liter mid-mounted V-8 to pack much more than 510 bhp (the F430 has 483 bhp). The new powerplant will be mated to a higher-performance version of the 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox found in the California.

But there's another possibility: turbocharging. Ferrari brass have recently admitted that smaller-displacement, direct-injection turbocharged engines are in the company's future. But since we take "future" to mean "several years out," we doubt the F450 will make use of forced induction. Rather, it appears Ferrari will save turbocharging and a road version of the Formula 1 KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) technology for its next great supercar — the Enzo replacement.

Regardless of the engine, the F450 will definitely not be any less expensive than the F430 — in fact, it will be significantly more expensive than the California, priced near $225,000.

The new Ferrari F450 will be unveiled at this year's Frankfurt auto show in September, going on sale in early 2010; you'll have to hold out until 2012 or 2013 to get your hands on the track-worthy Scuderia.

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